Twist Push-up
Twist Push-up demonstration
Watch the demo so setup and tempo are clear before you follow the step-by-step cues.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Twist Push-up
Work through the cues in order so setup, bracing, and reps stay consistent before you add load.
- Lower your body towards the ground, bending your elbows and keeping your core engaged.
- As you push your body back up, rotate your torso to the right and lift your right hand off the ground, extending it towards the ceiling.
- Return your right hand to the ground, and repeat the push-up, this time rotating your torso to the left and lifting your left hand towards the ceiling.
- Continue alternating sides for each push-up, ensuring that your body remains in a straight line and your core stays engaged throughout the exercise.
Tips for Performing Twist Push-up
Form reminders that keep range of motion and control in check once the basic pattern feels stable.
- Controlled Movement: As you lower your body towards the floor, keep your elbows close to your body. When you push back up, twist your torso to one side and lift that side's arm towards the ceiling. Return to the plank position and repeat on the other side. Common mistake to avoid: Avoid rushing through the exercise. Each movement should be deliberate and controlled to engage the right muscles and avoid injury.
- Engage Your Core: Throughout the exercise, keep your core muscles engaged. This will help to stabilize your body and make the exercise more effective. Common
Can beginners do the Twist Push-up?
A short framing note on whether this pattern suits newer lifters before you load it heavily.
Yes, beginners can do the Twist Push-up exercise but it might be challenging. This exercise requires a certain level of strength and balance. It's recommended that beginners start with basic push-ups and gradually incorporate more advanced variations like the Twist Push-up as they build strength and confidence. If they find the Twist Push-up too difficult, they can modify it by doing the exercise on their knees instead of their toes. As always, it's important to use proper form to prevent injury.
What are common variations of the Twist Push-up?
Compare these progressions when the main pattern is solid or you need a different stimulus with similar equipment.
- T-Push-up: In this version, you perform a regular push-up but as you come up, you twist your body and extend one arm towards the ceiling, forming a 'T' shape with your body.
- One Arm Twist Push-up: This is a challenging variation where you perform a push-up with one arm while twisting to the side of the extended arm.
- Pike Twist Push-up: Here, you start in a pike position, perform a push-up, and as you push up, you twist your body to one side.
- Side Plank Twist Push-up: This involves performing a push-up, then transitioning into a side plank and twisting your torso, before returning to the push-up position.



